![]() ![]() Sexual problems (operationalized as experiencing at least one of the following six sexual problems in their lifetime for at least 2 weeks: lack of interest in sex, fear of sex, inability to become sexually excited or aroused, inability to stay sexually excited or aroused, not able to have an orgasm, and painful vaginal intercourse) were more likely to be reported among ASA survivors who had PTSD symptoms and non-sexual trauma survivors who had PTSD symptoms than individuals without PTSD symptoms. Research also has supported a negative association between trauma symptoms and sexual functioning. Another study found that some women with an ASA history continued to experience posttraumatic symptoms up to 3 years following the assault, suggesting that the potential negative effects of trauma symptoms are long lasting for some individuals. In a nationally representative sample, ASA was associated with all 10 subscales of the Trauma Symptom Inventory, including anxious arousal, intrusive experiences, dissociation, and impaired self-reference, despite an average of 14 years having passed since the assault. Relationship between Sexual Assault, PTSD, and Sexual FunctioningĮmpirical evidence has supported an association between ASA and PTSD symptoms. Another longitudinal study with ASA survivors interviewed 4 to 6 years after the assault found that most women reported that their sexual functioning took years to return to normal or that they still had not recovered sexually. In a prospective study of ASA survivors who were women, 61% experienced some disruption of sexual functioning immediately after the assault, and up to 20% reported having sexual problems at a 1 year follow-up. ![]() Furthermore, sexual difficulties after ASA are enduring. found that 59% of the ASA survivors in their sample reported having at least one sexual problem, compared to only 17.2% of the non-assaulted women. Research indicates that women with a history of ASA are more likely than women without ASA to experience sexual arousal and desire problems, anorgasmia, and pain during sex. In this study, we investigated associations between ASA disclosure and sexual functioning among women with a history of ASA, including indirect associations via trauma symptomatology. To our knowledge no study has investigated the intersection of ASA disclosure, trauma symptomatology, and sexual functioning. Furthermore, evidence has indicated that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria, are negatively related to sexual functioning. ![]() There has been sparse research on whether disclosure of sexual assault is associated with sexual functioning. At least 65% of women disclose their sexual assault experiences to friends, family, or health care providers and it remains unclear whether disclosure is associated with positive or negative health outcomes. ![]() Research has consistently shown an association between ASA and subsequent sexual difficulties. Adult sexual assault (ASA) – any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual experience occurring after 14 years of age - is a significant public health issue, with numerous studies suggesting between 13% and 45% of women will experience ASA during their lifetime. ![]()
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